AFL returns May 30 in Atlanta

The American Fight League will head to Phillips Arena, an Atlanta-based venue that holds 21,000 spectators, for its May 30 show.

The AFL today announced the show, named “Bulletproof.”

The George Athletic and Entertainment Commission recently approved the show, which will be the first-ever mixed-martial-arts event permitted to use Phillips Arena, which is home to the NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers and NBA’s Atlanta Hawks.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for the AFL,” AFL Chief Executive Officer BJ Santiago stated. “I know that other MMA organizations — big ones — were turned down, so we feel especially grateful to the folks at Phillips Arena for allowing us in.”

In addition to its growing roster of internationally known talent, AFL executives also plan to include some Atlanta-area fighters on the fight card.

“We have athletes in our organization that are from that area and would give up a body part to get to fight in Phillips Arena,” AFL Marketing Director Sean McClure stated. “It’s one of those arenas that you dream of competing in when you are a kid.”